Nepal combines towering Himalayan peaks, historic cities, and warm hospitality. You can explore mountain landscapes, living heritage, and calm valleys in one journey.
Discover Nepal
Discover Nepal
Why visit Nepal?
What to expect
From the bustling streets and shrines of Kathmandu and Patan to the lakeside calm of Pokhara and the jungles of Chitwan, Nepal offers varied scenery and atmospheres. Expect lively markets, intricate architecture, and sweeping mountain views on clear days.
Plan your trip
Use Kathmandu as your entry point and hub for exploring the rest of the country by road or short domestic flights. Nepal also makes a good starting point for wider journeys across the Himalayan region and neighbouring South Asian destinations.
Top experiences in Nepal
Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square
Wander among palaces, courtyards, and carved temples in Kathmandu Durbar Square, a vivid window into the country’s royal past.
Sunrise views from Nagarkot or Sarangkot
Head to hilltop viewpoints like Nagarkot near Kathmandu or Sarangkot above Pokhara for sunrise panoramas of Himalayan peaks on clear mornings.
Lakeside strolls in Pokhara
Spend relaxed hours by Phewa Lake in Pokhara, with boat rides, gentle walks, and views of snow-capped mountains reflected in the water.
Wildlife encounters in Chitwan National Park
Join guided safaris in Chitwan National Park to look for local wildlife in riverine forests and grasslands.
Heritage walks in Patan and Bhaktapur
Take a day trip to Patan or Bhaktapur to admire brick squares, Newari architecture, and artisan workshops.
Trekking in the Himalayan foothills
Choose from gentle multi-day hikes in the foothills to more demanding treks that bring you closer to the major Himalayan ranges.
Scenic flights around Everest region
Opt for a scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to enjoy aerial views of the Everest region when conditions allow.
Relax in the Kathmandu Valley
Balance city sightseeing with quiet garden cafes, galleries, and peaceful courtyards dotted around the Kathmandu Valley.
Experience Nepal’s way of life
Getting around
Domestic flights link Kathmandu with cities such as Pokhara, Bharatpur, and Biratnagar, saving significant travel time in the mountains. Within the Kathmandu Valley and major towns, you can use taxis, ride-hailing services, and hired cars with drivers, while longer routes often rely on tourist buses and private transfers.
Local life & culture
Daily life in Nepal is centred on neighbourhood squares, small shrines, and busy market streets. You will notice a strong sense of community, traditional crafts such as woodcarving and metalwork, and distinct cultural identities between the Kathmandu Valley, hill regions, and plains.
Where to unwind
Retreat to lakeside promenades in Pokhara, garden hotels in the Kathmandu Valley, or eco-lodges near national parks for quiet time in nature. Gentle walks in surrounding hills, yoga retreats, and spa treatments are widely available in the main visitor areas.
A taste of Nepal
National dishes & specialties
You can try favourites such as dal bhat (rice, lentils, and accompaniments), momos (dumplings), and Newari platters in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. Mountain towns and trekking routes often offer hearty local dishes suited to cooler climates.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Neighbourhoods like Thamel and Lazimpat in Kathmandu, plus Lakeside in Pokhara, offer relaxed cafes, bakeries, and restaurants with both Nepali and international menus. These areas are convenient for varied meals throughout the day and suit different tastes and budgets.
Signature & scenic dining
Look for rooftop terraces in Kathmandu with valley views, lakeside restaurants in Pokhara, and hillside lodges that serve dinner with mountain vistas. Some properties also offer set menus paired with cultural performances or intimate garden settings.
Retail therapy in Nepal
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Kathmandu, modern shopping centres and lifestyle complexes offer international fashion, electronics, and local boutiques under one roof. These are often paired with cinemas and casual dining for a convenient day out.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional areas in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur are known for handicrafts such as handwoven textiles, metalwork, carpets, and paper goods. In Pokhara, you will also find small shops selling trekking gear, jewellery, and local souvenirs along the main tourist streets.
Evening retail scene
After dark, streets in Thamel and Lakeside stay lively with illuminated shopfronts, small bazaars, and late-opening souvenir outlets. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it easy to browse for gifts and everyday items in the cooler evening hours.
Best time to visit Nepal
Peak season runs from October to November and March to April, when days are generally clear and mild in many regions, with typical daytime temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F) in the Kathmandu Valley. Shoulder season falls in late September and from December to February, when cooler temperatures of about 5–18°C (41–64°F) in the valleys and colder conditions in the mountains bring quieter trails but crisp mornings and evenings. Low season corresponds mainly to the monsoon months from June to early September, when temperatures in lower regions can reach 25–30°C (77–86°F) with higher humidity and frequent showers, though the countryside is lush and green.